What is the amount of space that a chicken needs in a coop?

[mychookschick]

I have an 8 X 12 foot coop and was wondering how many I was "allowed" to put in there? It is very roomy for the amount that I have now (20, but will be getting rid of a few soon) but I'm catching the chicken math fever....

Edited for grammar issues

 

[Judy]

I would have less than 12 in there if they stay in for weeks at a time because of Maine weather.

 

[patandchickens]

The more space the better.

It is popular on this particular forum to quote 4 sq ft per hen indoors, plus 8-10 sq ft per hen in the run (or free range of course), as some sort of guideline. (Other forums authorities authors etc have their own in-house conventions, some for less space, a few for more).

This stocking density will keep the chances of cannibalism fairly low as long as the chickens are getting out a good deal most days. (Not as reliably successful in very cold winter areas, though some are lucky enough for it to go ok)

BUT, there is a lot of difference in HOW chickens behave at that stocking density vs when given more space. I find them to act much more relaxed, less-stressed, happier, more "natural" and individual, at much more generous space allotments e.g. 15 sq ft per chicken indoors plus ample run. And personally I value that and would not keep them in the common more-crowded densities.

it just depends what you're after.

(And also what your climate is like!)

Pat

 

[mychookschick]

Quote:
Actually, they are outside most of the time... They only stay in for a few hours of laying time in the morning, then they are out all day long. They freerange so that is no issue (as we live on 52 acres). So, according to the 4 sq ft per hen, I should be able to keep around 24? Maybe less as to not squish them?

 

[orpingtonbabies]

I'd say 3-5 sq feet per chicken.. so... up to 32? The more space the better though. Right now, your chickens have about 4.8 square feet each.

 

[Fred's Hens]

It amazing how small a coup gets when they are trapped in it for a couple weeks because there is 2 feet of snow and they cannot go out. It's wise to plan for the worst case scenario. I keep 13 POL pullets in a coup that size. I could squeeze in another 3 or 4, but that's it.
Given the needs of 10" roost length per bird, space needed for laying boxes, and feeding/water decks, it all adds up.

 

[wannabchick]

A friend up the road has a 4 x 8 coop 20 some chickens
Healthy happy super friendly.. Big run

Has had them for a few years, their all doing great

 

[elmo]

Quote:
The other factor is how much work you want to do as a chicken keeper. The more chickens in a given space, the more work to for the chicken keeper to keep things sanitary enough for health and odor control.

I don't want my daily chicken cleanup chores to exceed 10 or 15 minutes.

 

[Montana-Hens]

I think the 3 square feet rule is good, but I hate poop and cannibalism. Few chickens is always better IMHO. I have 6 in my 4x8 coop, who free range all day most days, and some days they still can't "play nice together."

 

[wannabchick]

Quote:
The other factor is how much work you want to do as a chicken keeper. The more chickens in a given space, the more work to for the chicken keeper to keep things sanitary enough for health and odor control.

I don't want my daily chicken cleanup chores to exceed 10 or 15 minutes.

Your right because I do beleive he lives with them..heheheh